Lawtons Solicitors are very proud to share that we have been ranked as a Band One Firm in the Chambers and Partners 2026 guide and as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500 2026.
Chambers and Partners
Lawtons has been top ranked as for Crime, alongside our Managing Director Stephen Halloran, who is also a top ranked Solicitor.
Managing Director Nick Titchener and Senior Solicitor Nick Seeley are also ranked in the 2026 guide.
We’re proud to share this outstanding achievement with quotes as follows:
Lawtons Solicitors
“They are meticulous when it comes to case preparation. They are particularly good at helping clients navigate their way through complex criminal procedure.”
“They are available to clients whenever needed and have exceptional attention to detail in the conduct of their work.”
“They meticulously handle their cases and clients to the highest standard. They are very well prepared for advice and trial.”
Stephen Halloran
“Stephen is a class act and provides a comprehensive service to his clients, with realistic and thorough advice.”
“He is a top-notch lawyer, who is dedicated to his clients.”
“Stephen Halloran is exemplary and very experienced. “
Nick Titchener
“Nick Titchener is a well-regarded solicitor advocate, recognised for handling serious criminal matters such as sexual offences.”
“His advocacy is very strong. He is excellent with clients and provides a very high level of service.”
Nick Seeley
“Nick Seeley is a highly experienced solicitor who represents clients in a range of criminal matters, including murder, grievous bodily harm and illegal possession of firearms.”
“Nick is a highly intelligent litigator with an eye for detail.”
“Nick Seeley is hard-working and diligent.”
“He is very experienced and level-headed.”
The Legal 500
Lawtons have been ranked as a Leading Firm for General Crime and Fraud in the South East, with Managing Director Nick Titchener also ranked as a Leading Partner.
Other key lawyers recognised by the Legal 500 include Managing Director Stephen Halloran, Partner Joanne Cestaro, Partner Paul Dillon, Senior Solicitor Nick Seeley and Legal Executive Nicola Hobdell.
We’re proud to share our testimonials as follow:
‘The team at Lawtons provide excellent client care. Conferences are arranged in good time to prepare for hearings. Focused and relevant instructions are taken from clients to assist counsel in the preparation of a case. Their strengths lie in identifying relevant issues in a case and instructing counsel to suit the needs of a client.’
‘Partners and solicitors work very well with counsel, giving a collaborative approach. They are very much there for the lay client and deal with the everyday challenges clients present with ease. They are all on top of their workload and no task, however small, is too much for them, both pre-trial and during the course of a trial.’
“Nicola Hobdell offers excellent client care and robust advice delivered with empathy and compassion for clients. Efficient instruction of relevant experts and excellent communication.”
“Joanne Cestaro is a stand-out solicitor in the general crime and fraud practice. Her case preparation is second to none, ensuring that each and every client receives the best possible representation. She is detail-oriented and her knowledge of the law is first-rate. Joanne stands out in particular for her excellent client care and her ability to gain the trust of clients from all walks of life.”
“The team, in particular Stephen Halloran and Nick Titchener, are always very responsive and helpful for our clients when we refer to them for criminal advice. They are the go-to firm for criminal advice and have great links to the local community.”
Lawtons, Specialist Criminal Defence Firm
Lawtons are very proud to celebrate these achievements and honoured to have our legal expertise recognised by so many prestigious institutions. We would like to thank our peers for their support and contribution to this recognition. We remain committed to upholding this standard of legal excellence and we will continue providing expert legal guidance to all our clients.
